Page 24 of Crazy Little Thing Called Love
“It was just a call,” Faith replied, but her flushed cheeks told a different story.
“Right. And I’m the Queen of England.” Lucy perched on the edge of the console. “I don’t know who thisWaiting in Dallasguy is, but there was something in your voice when you were talking to him.”
Faith busied herself gathering her notes. “I answer calls from all over the country every night, Lucy. Nothing special about this one.”
“Please,” Lucy rolled her eyes dramatically. “I’ve been producing your show for three years. I know the difference between Dr. Hartwell dispensing advice to the nation and whatever that was. That wasn’t professional detachment—that was personal. Your podcast numbers are going to spike tomorrow, mark my words.”
“Lucy—”
“Don’t Lucy me. That man is romancing you in front of millions of listeners across America, and don’t think people haven’t noticed. The station’s social media is already blowing up with #WaitingInDallas hashtags. Women from Seattle to Miami are swooning over this mystery caller of yours. It’s better than any reality dating show. And it’s great for our ratings. Tell him to keep calling.”
Faith zipped her bag with more force than necessary. “I’m going to go ahead and take off. “I’ve got a lot to think about before I get home.”
“I bet you do,” Lucy said with a knowing smile. “Just remember—sometimes the head overthinks what the heart already knows.”
Faith let her friend’s words wash over her as she made her way to the parking garage, her mind already racing ahead to what—or rather who—might be waiting for her at home. Despite the unsettling call from her admirer, the thought of seeing Jake again sent a flutter of anticipation through her that she couldn’t quite suppress.
The night air was crisp as Faith pulled into her driveway, and she couldn’t stop the smile that curved her lips when she spotted Jake’s truck. He was sitting on the tailgate, grinning at her like he’d won a prize at the fair.
Faith ran a self-conscious hand through her messy hair. “I look terrible?—”
Jake hopped down and crossed to her in three quick strides, his hands cupping her face before she could finish the sentence. His eyes moved over her features like he was memorizing them.
“You’re beautiful,” he said simply, and the rough honesty in his voice made her believe it. Her breath caught when his thumb traced her bottom lip.
“Jake—”
“I’ve been thinking about kissing you all night,” he murmured, stepping closer until she could feel his warmth.
It would take a stronger woman than she’d ever been for the need in his eyes to not weaken her resolve. Somehow, the way he looked at her made her feel beautiful despite her disheveled state.
“Nice night,” she said, feeling the flutters of first love and awkwardness in her stomach. It was forty degrees and looked like it could rain at any moment, but her body temperature was so high she hardly noticed.
He laughed and said, “Absolutely beautiful. Why don’t we get this out of the way?”
Jake kept his hands still, sure she’d run like a rabbit if he touched her now, and gently lowered his lips, soft and warm, to hers. He rubbed them gently back and forth, and felt her shudder beneath him. The tension left her shoulders and her body relaxed as she leaned into the kiss. And when he heard her moan, he reached up gently to cup her face. Her mouth opened beneath his, and her surrender was more than he could have hoped for. His tongue warred with hers and she met his passion with equal fervor.
There was an ache deep inside that Faith couldn’t describe. It pounded in her chest and throbbed in her loins. But the pleasure…God, the pleasure was unlike anything she’d ever experienced. She pulled him closer and let the fire burn that she’d left as embers so long ago. The hardness of his body cradled her softness, and she wanted nothing more than to lose herself in his touch.
When they parted, Faith knew her life had changed. She’d always remember him like this, the shadow of night and the glow of the moonlight, soft music and gentle hands. Hands that were patient even though she could feel the vibrations of fierce desire coursing through his body.
“There,” he said, his voice husky with need. “That’s better.”
“I don’t know if I’d go that far,” Faith said, shaken.
He laughed and brought his lips to hers again briefly. “Well, I think it’s something I could get used to it. Dance with me.”
He turned on the stereo he’d left in the bed of his truck, and the soothing sounds of Billie Holiday floated through the air. He held out his hand, waiting for her to make the next move. When she stepped into his embrace, it was like coming home.
They moved slowly and held each other lightly, knowing what a tenuous beginning they shared. And when his lips touched hers again, everything disappeared around her, the music, the autumn air and the stars. There was only Jake, and she could feel his love bearing down on her, no matter how hard she tried to ward it off.
“I’m dizzy,” she whispered.
“Me too,” he said, stopping the slow spin. “You make me want, Faith. So much that I ache from it.”
“I…”
“Shh,” he said, placing his finger across her lip. “You don’t have to explain anything. I know we’re moving at different speeds. I’ve got a surprise for you.”
